Time does have a way of slipping by quickly and since rolling fresh off the ferry last October we have been keeping busy.
The excitement of another new beginning mixed with a touch of back pain for John, which started soon as we left the ferry so not sure if it was the consequences of handling a few too many bottles of wine or the hail of duty-free he picked up for our friend Sue!!
However, the excitement soon waned because the hustle and bustle of busy roads brought home the stark contrast to the tranquillity we had left behind.
Our first stop was Aldington where Simon and Sue were waiting in the lane to greet us along with the bleating of their woolly companions AJ and Lisa Marie in the field next door.
As John takes it easy, we tackle administrative tasks and enjoy a trip to the seafront for fish and chips.
With rested spirits and John’s back on the mend we head to the first of three house sits that will see us into the New Year. However, we aren’t on the road long when we have a close call with a passing lorry who’s over our side of the road thankfully we are lucky just to lose the wing mirror.
This then sparked a heated discussion about navigating a left-hand drive vehicle in the UK because the coming traffic always felt like it was heading for me and I soon had a yearning for the quiet we had been so used to.
Like I said at the beginning of this blog time certainly does fly by so through the highs and the lows of the last few months Boughton Monchelsea, West Malling, Wroxham, and Deopham have each etched a unique chapter in the story of our lives.
With Christmas a fading memory and the New Year starting to tick by we continue our journey and head back to Kent with a new wing mirror, the hab door now working and the toilet pump fixed again!
So, with no plans as such the road ahead remains uncertain of what we will do next, yet always full of promise that something interesting and adventurous is around the corner.
It’s time to say goodbye to my weathered and well-travelled sandals, they tell a story of countless miles and memories walked
AJ and Lisa Marie, keep us occupied with their demands for bananas and bottles of milk
It seems like we have come full circle when we return to house sit for Paulene Richard at the Old Startled Saint to look after Nala their fun-loving chocolate Labrador
With our tenants moving out we get our house back so John sets about repairing the fence and any odd jobs that need to be done
After 6 months I get a surprise visit from James Becky, Amelia and Oliver who spend a couple of days with us
We find ourselves back in the quiet village of Boughton Monchelsea to look after Ted and Meli
Yet, life’s journey is not without its bittersweet moments as whilst house sitting for John and Dee we had to say farewell to their beloved feline companion, Meli, who at 20 was still a character right to the end.
As we ventured into Norfolk, we not only traversed landscapes but also braced ourselves for the forthcoming antics our Grandchildren were undoubtedly plotting for us
Homework, baking and craft is the order of the week
Wroxham is our next stop to visit James and his family at their new home. We have a fun week, I help out at Amelia’s school, Grandad goes on school run and I get to watch the Nativity show
John helps James do a few jobs in the garden
A visit to Wroxham Barn Christmas fete where signed books and chocolate lollies are the purchases of the day
Monday morning and with the children off to school we had a busy day planned, but the habitation door on the van was seemingly on a mission of its own, and chose this morning to jam. At first, it was amusing then panic set in as I realized my entire wardrobe was securely trapped inside. As time ticked away and the door refused to budge I faced my dilemma of having to embrace my unexpected fashion challenge, who knew, dressing gown chic would be the unexpected style of the day!!
The drone keeps Amelia and Oliver entertained for a while
Visiting the seals at Horsey Gap is fascinating to see
After a fun, filled busy week we head to Deopham to start another Housesit looking after Isla and Kali, two very exuberant Cocker Spaniels
St Andrews Church in Deopham is visible from miles around
Deopham, we are surrounded by fields and quiet countryside where we see Deer roaming daily
From 1851 to 1908 Gralix Hall was a National (Church of England) School that catered for up to 84 children. It was closed in 1908 and the building served as a meeting place. In 1955 it was given the name Gralix, the name is derived from the surnames of three locals who purchased the Hall for the village: GRay, ALlen and PhoenIX.
We join the crowds for the service at Sandringham on Christmas morning
The Royal family are full of cheer as they make their way to church
Boxing Day fun
After a fun evening of bingo that sees Amelia and Oliver have a winning streak, James and I then draw the short straw in spending the night in the motorhome with this victorious duo so they can have one last sleepover before John and I return to Kent